Russian air strikes reported on Kyiv

Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said air defense systems in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv have been activated to fend off a Russian missile assault – he’s also urged citizens to seek shelter.

As Ukraine’s air force issued warnings of cruise missiles approaching the capital, witnesses reported hearing explosions.

Additional airstrikes were reported in the northeastern Kharkiv region and in Cherkasy in the central area, with reports of explosions in Mykolaiv in the south.

In Mykolaiv, the mayor confirmed one person sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital, while others received on-site medical attention following the attack, which caused damage to approximately 20 residences and disrupted gas and water supplies.

The entire country was placed on high alert for air defence measures around 06:00 (04:00 GMT).

As per reports from the Ukrainian air force, Russian cruise missiles were also seen manoeuvring over the western regions of Lviv, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Ukraine has been subjected to frequent aerial assaults since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, which led to the annexation of parts of the east and south.